Rectifier for refrigerating systems



C. C. COONS RECTIFIER FOR REFRIGERATING SYSTEMS Feb. 3,1942.

Filed Aug. 8, 1936 9 7 Vio 0/ h Paten ted Feb 1942 2,271,542 anc'rrrmn FOR asrnronmrmc SYSTEMS Curtis C. Coons, North Canton, Ohio, assignor to The Hoover Company, North Canton, Ohio, a

corporation of Ohio Application August 8, 1936, Serial No. 94,935

25 Claims.

This invention relates to continuous absorption refrigerating systems and more particularly to the combination therewith of a liquid dividing or apportioning device for dividing and distributing liquid between two or more portions of such systerns.

Continuous absorption systems customarily operate under relatively high internal pressures,-

and for this and other reasons it is found expedient to seal the same hermetically and to avoid the use of shafts, valve stems and other movable elements passing through the side wall of the apparatus. Because of these facts much difflculty sponse to a flow of the first mentioned body and irrespective of wide variations in the rate of has been experienced heretofore in controlling,

regulating, circulating and apportioning liquid working mediums present in these systems' as is desired or advantageous for best operation. The problem is augmented considerably because of the small volume of liquid flowing, and the wide variation in the rate of flow under the different conditions of operation normally encountered.

For example, an absorption refrigeration system of the type herein disclosed constructed to refrigerate a household refrigerator cabinet of average size produces approximately one quart of liquid refrigerant per hour. It will therefore be evident that the stream of liquid refrigerant flowing from the condenser is very small, and more in the nature of a trickle than a stream of liquid.

Likewise, the absorption-liquidstream flowing between the boiler and absorber of such asystem flows at the rate of approximately one gallon per hour. Hence, even the absorption solution flow, while considerably greater than the refrigerant liquid flow, is sosmall as to be properly termed a trickling flow.

In view of the foregoing, it will be readily appreciated that the problem of dividing or apportioning the liquid refrigerant or the absorption solution uniformly and in any desired ratio is a diflicult one-particularly if the use of orifices,

'restrictors, and complex devices is to be avoided.

It is accordingly a principal object of this invention to provide a continuous absorption refrigeration system having means for apportioning liquid within the system between a plurality of parts thereof. More specifically, it is an object of the invention to divide a stream of liquid in a desired ratio and to distribute the divided liquid to different parts of the system.

Another object of the invention is to provide an absorption refrigerationapparatus with an unrestricted means for dividing accurately. a body of liquid into a plurality'of bodies in resupply to the dividing means.

Another object of the invention is the provision of self-contained and automatically operable means for apportioning liquid refrigerant of a refrigeration system between a plurality of places of evaporation, as for example, an evaporator vessel and a reflux rectifier vessel.

A still further object is to provide means for returning a predetermined portion of liquefied refrigerant into the presence of hot refrigerant vapor for the purpose of rectifying the same. More particularly, it is an object to provide a new and improved rectifier operating adiabatically or with substantially no gain or loss of heat.

Other objects andadvantages reside in certain novel features of the arrangement and the construction of parts as will be apparent from'the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:

Figure l is a diagrammatic view, partly in vertical section, of a continuous absorption refrigerating system constructed in accordance with the present invention. 1

Figure 2 is a vertical cross sectiona'l view, somewhat enlarged of the liquid divider employed in the arrangement of Figure l, and

Figure 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the liquid divider shown in Figure 2, the view being taken on the line 3-3 thereof.

Referring to the drawing in detail and first t0 the arrangement in Figure 1, it will be seen that a continuous absorption refrigerating system is there shown comprising as principal parts, a

form the complete refrigerating system as will be described hereinbelow. The boiler B may consist of two chambers II and i2, the chamber ll being connected to the vertical pipe [3 (which includes the rectifier) by means of a vapor lift pump conduit It.

The vertical cylindrical portion I3 01' the boiler system is connected at its lower end .to the chamber l2 and is provided with a number of baflle plates l5 therein. Above the bafl e plates suitable filling material, such as small metal cylinders, chainor other means for providing extended surface, is provided, as shown at I6 and most of the rectification takes place on this material. The top of the rectifier R is connected to the condenser C by means of the refrigerant conduit l1 and as the refrigerant liqueiies in the proportioning device 20 is mounted for movement upon the pivot 2 l As best shown in Figure 2 the dividing device is sub-divided into two chambers of unequal size by a vertical partition 22. It will, of course, be apparent that the two chambers may beof equal or unequal size, as-may be found most advantageous in obtaining a desired operation of the system or any part thereof. When the divider device is to be employed in the manner illustrated in 'the accompanying drawing as one manner of applying the invention, the receivin cup on the right of the partition is preferably somewhat smaller than the one on the left. With receptacle 20 in theposition shown in Figure 2, liquid will drop from conduit "into the right hand cup until the weight of the liquid so collected is suflicient to counter-balance the re-' ceptacle thereby discharging the collected liquid into the right hand compartment in chamber [9.

The liquid then flows through conduit 23 to rectifier R. Pivot 2| in chamber l9 forms,a dividing partition and prevents liquid discharged into one chamber from flowing to another chamber.

While receptacle 20 i tilted to the right, condensate will drip from conduit I8 into the left hand cup where it is stored until a sufficientquantity has collected to tilt the receptacle counterclockwise, whereupon the stored liquid is discharged and flows through conduit 24 into evaporator .E. Receptacle 20. may be provided with counter weights as shown in Figure 2, or may be so constructed as to maintain'the proper balance and to enable the desired quantity of liquid to be collected before it i discharged for. flow to the particular vessel for which it is intended. It will also be understood that the liquid receiving cup may be relatively small or relatively large. In this way, the time interval between successive discharges may be made relatively long or relatively short.

The evaporator E is connected to the absorber A'by means of two inert gas conduits 25 and 26 which may be in heat exchange relation. One of these may include an inert gas fan or circulator 21 adapted to be driven by an electric motor 23 as illustrated. I

The absorber is connected to the boiler by means of liquid conduits 29 and 30 which may be in heat exchange relation. and which may be connected in accordance with known practice.

In the arrangement illustrated, absorption liquid is lifted from the right hand chamber ll of the boiler by vapor lift pump ll into the vertical cylinder i3 above the lowermost baflle plates 15 therein and thence flows by gravity downwardly through the cylinder l3, the left hand chamber of the boiler, the conduit 29 into the top 'of the absorber. After trickling downwardly over.

Theenti-re boiler system, that is the boiler chambers ii, II- and the .cylinder I: together with a portion of the pipe l1 above the rectifier may be encased in the insulation as indicated at 3|. Heat may be applied to the boiler chambers II and I! by means of some suitable source as the electric cartridge heaters illustrated at 32.

In the arrangement hereinabove described it will be clear that the divider device has been employed to apportion liquid refrigerant between an evaporator and an adiabatic reflux rectifier. The condensate discharged by condenser C is automatically divided and a predetermined portion, returns to the rectifier through conduit 23. This reflux condensate functions to 'remove the absorption liquid vapor from the refrigerant vapor passing upwardly through rectifier R. and over material It in a highly efficient manner as will be'readily apparent from the fact that the amount of condensate returned may be carefully controlled and proportioned to maintain the optimum condition. The rectifier is surrounded by insulation and accordingly operates substantially adiabatically. The portion of condensate not returned to the rectifier flows to the evaporator where it is utilized to produce refrigeration.

1 From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that I have provided a novel device-for dividing liquid in a refrigeration apparatus and for directing the same to a plurality of vessels within the system in equal or unequal portions as desired. The dividing mechanism proper may be and preferably is entirely housed within the system, and operates automatically in accordance with either a uniform or a rapidly fluctuating flow to divide such flow in any predetermined manner. Furthermore, the device inherently functions to direct a predetermined quantity of liquid to each of a plurality of vessels intermittently and at time intervals dependent upon the proportions and mass of the liquid receiving cups of the divider. While the divider has been shown as connected to the condenser discharge conduit,

it will be understood that the device may be positioned anywhere in a refrigeration system at which its function may be found useful.

While only one embodiment of the invention has been shown and described herein it is obvious that various changes may be made in the arrangement and construction of parts without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the annexed claims.

I claim:

1. In'an absorption refrigerating system, having a boiler system and a condenser,-a reflux rectifier comprising a vessel adapted to receive refrigerant vapor and absorption liquid vapor from the boiler system, means for insulating said vessel and means for conveying a portion of the refrigerant condensed in the condenser to said vessel to aid in the removal of the absorption liquid vapor from the refrigerant vapor therein.

2 In an absorption refrigerating system, having a boiler system and a condenser, a reflux rectifier comprising a vessel adapted to receive refrigerant vapor and absorption liquid vapor from the boiler. system, means for insulating said vessel and means for conveying a portion of the refrigerant condensed in the condenser to said vessel to aid in the removal of the absorption liquid vapor from the refrigerant vapor therein,

said last mentioned means including a tiltable liquid divider positioned below the condenser and adapted to divide'the liquid supplied hereto into two streams.

3. In combination with a reflux rectifier, means for liquefying vapor passing through said rectifier, and a liquid divider for returning a definite tion by means of an portion only of a stream'of said liquefied vapor to said rectifier, said liquid divider comprising a casing, a pivot therein and a dish having two cups tiltably mounted on said pivot.

4. In combination with a reflux rectifier, a liquid divider arranged to return a definite portion of a stream of liquid to said rectifier, said liquid divider comprising a casing, a pivot therein and a dish having two cups said pivot, said cups'having different volumes whereby the portion of liquid supplied to said absorption refrigeration apparatus having a refrigerant condenser and at 'least. one evaporator sectionin communication therewith, which comprises providing means sealed within the apparatus automatically operable to divert condensate from said condenser into said evaporator section for a period tiltably mounted on rectifier is other than half of the stream of liquid supplied to the liquid divider.

5. That improvement in the art of refrigeration by means of an absorption system comprising a boiler, a reflux rectifier, a condenser and an evaporator in communication with one another, which consists in generating refrigerant vapor in the boiler, passing the vapor through the rectifier and to the condenser to be condensed, and returning a minor portion of said condensate to the rectifier in an unrestricted path of flow to condense absorbent vapor.

6. That improvement defined in claim 5 which includes means in the condensate return means to prevent the by-passing of refrigerant vapor around the condenser.

7. That improvement defined in claim 5 in which said condensate return means includes a tiltably mounted liquid dividing means automatically operable to divide the condensate delivered by the condenser into two unequal portions. 8. An absorption refrigeration apparatus of the type containing a condensable refrigerant medium and a liquid absorbent medium therefor, characterized by the fact that said apparatus i provided with movable means operable to automatically divide one of said mediums into two streams, and a casing comprising a part of said apparatus and enclosing said movable means.

9. An absorption refrigeration apparatus of the type containing a refrigerant medium and having a condenser and an evaporator means in communication therewith, characterized by the fact that said apparatus is provided with movable means sealed within the apparatus automatically operable to divide liquid refrigerant delivered by the condenser into two portions,-

and alternately delivering one of said portions to said evaporator means.

10. An absorption refrigeration apparatus of the type containing a refrigerant, an absorbent therefor, and an inert pressure equalizing medium, said apparatus including a condenser and at least one evaporator section in communication therewith, and means sealed within said apparatus operable to supply liquid refrigerant intermittently from said condenserto said one evaporator section, said refrigerant supply means being so constructed and arranged as to operate at frequent intervals while substantially continuous refrigeration takes place in said apparatus.

11. That improvement in the art of refrigeration by means of an absorption refrigeration apparatus having a refrigerant condenser and at least one evaporator section in communication therewith, which comprises providing means for directing condensate from said condenser to said evaporator section for a period of time and thereafter to another portion of said apparatus for a period of time.

12. That improvement in the art of refrigeraof time and thereafter into another part of said apparatus for a period of time.

13. That improvement in the art of refrigeration by means of an absorption refrigeration apparatus including a boiler assembly, a condenser, at least one evaporator section, and an absorber in circuit, which includes condensing gaseous refrigerant derived from said boilerassembly in said condenser, and periodically diverting said condensate first to said evaporator section where at least portions of the same are vaporized by the absorption of heat, and thereafter to another part of said apparatus where at least portions of the-same are vaporized by the. absorption of heat.

14. That method of operating a continuous absorption refrigerating apparatus of the type having a boiler assembly, a condenser, an evaporator and an absorber in circuit, and charged with a refrigerant, an absorbent therefor and condensate first'to a vaporizing zone to produce refrigeration and then to a zone containing hot refrigerant and absorbent vapors where at least a portion of the condensate is vaporized by the heat of condensation of absorbent vapor.

15. That method of separating a mixture of hot refrigerant vapor and absorbent vapor having a higher boiling point than the refrigerant vapor, which includes condensing the refrigerant vapor derived from said mixture, alternately directing the condensate first into the presence of an inert gas where the condensate evaporates to produce refrigeration, and. then into intimate contact with said mixture of vapors at a point where the same are in contact with a liquid solution of the refrigerant. and absorbent medium whereby the absorbent vapor condenses and additional refrigerant vapor is produced by the heat of condensation of the absorbent vapor.

16. The method of claim 15 in which the separation of refrigerant vapor and absorbent vapor is produced adiabaticallyx 1'7. An absorption refrigeration system of the type described, said system comprising a boiler assembly, a condenser, an-evaporator assembly,

and an absorber in circuit, and containing a condensable refrigerant fluid, said circuit comprising at least two parallel liquid passageways, and unrestricted means within said system operable to divide liquid refrigerant between said parallel passageways, said means including a movable element positioned in the path of flow of liquid refrigerant and actuated by a flow of said refrigerant.

18. An absorption refrigeration system of the type described, said system comprising a boiler assembly, a condenser, an evaporator assembly and an absorber in circuit and containing a refrigerant fluid and an absorbent fluid therefor, said circuit comprising at least two parallel liquid passageways, and means within said system operable to divert one of said fluids into first fluids to one of said passageways for a period of time and thereafter to anther of said passageways for a period of time. v

' 20. An absorption refrigeration system of the type having a boiler assembly, a condenser, an

evaporator assembly and an absorber in circuit, and containing a, refrigerant fluid and an ,absorbent fluid, characterized by the fact that'said circuit provides a plurality of parallel fluid passageways, and means automatically operable to divert refrigerant fluid in liquid form to first one of said passageways for a period of time and thereafter to another one of said passageways, at least one of said passageways including said evaporator assembly.

two liquid receptacles such that when enough liquid flows into one receptacle said device will overbalance and discharge to one o; said chambers, and after suflicient liquid has flowed into the other receptacle the device will tilt in the opposite direction and discharge into the other of said chambers.

22. A liquid condensate divider as recited in claim 21 in which the dividing device is so con structed that less liquid is required to tilt the some in one direction than in the other.

'23. A hermetically sealed refrigeration system of the absorption type and having a liquid supply conduit and two liquid discharge conduits therefor and forming a part of said system, characterized by the provision of a tiltable device at the junction of said supply and discharge conduits and automatically operable in response to 21. A liquid condensate divider for use in a vice tiltably mounted on said partition beneath said condenser connection to receive liquid therefrom, and means dividing said device into the flow of liquid in said supply conduit to divide the liquid between said discharge conduits.

24. A hermetically sealed refrigeration system of the absorption type and having a liquid supply conduit and a plurality of liquid discharge conduits therefor and forming a part ofsaid system, characterized by the provision of a tiltable device at the junction of said supply and discharge conduits and automatically operable to divert fluid from said supply conduit to one of said discharge conduits, and after a period of time to another of said discharge conduits.

25. The subject matter of claim 24 characterized by the fact that the. period of time during which the fluid is diverted to a given discharge conduit is directly proportional to the rate of flow in the supply conduit.

CURTIS C. COONS. 

